Job Details
Physician Extender – Certified Mental Health Nurse Practitioner or Physician Assistant - #270023
Western Carolina University
Department: Health and Counseling Services
About WCU: Western Carolina University continues to rank high on Forbes 'Best Employers' lists each year. Including:
- 2025 – Ranked 1st in the top 100 employers in North Carolina in Forbes 'America's Best Employers by State' list.
- 2024 – Ranking in the top 8.5% on Forbes 'America's Best Midsize Employers' list, WCU was ranked 34 out of the top 400 employers across all industries.
- 2023 – Ranked in the top 20% on Forbes 'America's Best Midsize Employers' list, WCU was ranked 97 out of the top 500 employers across all industries.
- 2022 – Ranked 14th in the top 100 employers in North Carolina in Forbes 'America's Best Employers by State' list.
Western Carolina University is the UNC system's westernmost campus and has been consistently ranked as one of the top 15 public regional institutions in the South.
Employees of WCU are provided a comprehensive benefits package as well as other resources, policies and programs to ensure a happy and healthy work/life balance. Benefit eligible employees have access to dental, vision and health insurance plans – eligibility begins on the first of the month following date of hire. Retirement plan contributions begin on the eligibility date following election and include employer contributions for either a defined contribution or a defined benefit plan. Optional disability plans are also available.
Eligible employees have access to tuition waivers for up to three courses per academic year; employee may enroll at any of the constituent UNC System campuses. Also offered are free group exercise classes multiple times per week, a discounted membership to the campus recreation center, free vaccine and booster shots offered on campus, pretax flexible spending accounts, 12 paid holidays and 24 hours of paid community service leave each year. Leave earning employees (staff and 12-month faculty) who work at least half of the working days of their first month of employment will begin accruing vacation and sick leave immediately. Paid parental leave after 12 months of continuous service.
WCU offers an abundance of training and development programs, certifications, workshops and conferences – many of which are offered free of charge.
Position Summary: The primary location of this position is on-site in Cullowhee, NC. This position is designated as being exempt from the State of North Carolina Human Resources Act (EHRA).
The Mental Health Physician Extender provides psychiatric assessment, diagnosis, treatment, and medication management services for students receiving care through Health Services. Working collaboratively with medical providers, counselors, psychologists, social workers, case managers, and other campus partners, the provider supports student mental health, emotional well-being, academic success, and retention through the delivery of evidence-based psychiatric care.
The duties of the position include conducting psychiatric evaluations and mental health assessments; developing treatment plans; prescribing and managing psychiatric medications; coordinating care with internal and external healthcare providers; maintaining clinical documentation in accordance with professional, legal, and accreditation standards; participating in interdisciplinary case consultation; providing education and consultation to students and campus stakeholders; supporting outreach initiatives related to mental health and wellness; and maintaining required licensure, credentialing, and professional practice requirements necessary to provide psychiatric services.
Compliance Requirements:
All staff serving in this position must be able to meet the credentialing and privileging requirements established by the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care (AAAHC), as amended or updated from time to time. The candidate selected for this position will be required to complete an Application for Appointment and Privileging with Health Services Medical Staff prior to the completion of the hiring process.
Collaborative Practice Requirement: The selected candidate must be able to satisfy and maintain all collaborative practice requirements necessary to perform the duties of the position in accordance with applicable laws, regulations, licensure requirements, and professional practice standards. The selected candidate must establish and maintain any collaborative practice relationship(s) required to provide psychiatric services through Health Services. Continued ability to meet applicable collaborative practice requirements is necessary for the performance of the essential functions of this position.
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
- Psychiatric assessment and treatment: Thorough knowledge of psychiatric evaluation, diagnosis, treatment planning, psychopharmacology, and medication management principles necessary to provide evidence-based mental health care.
- Clinical judgment and patient care: Ability to assess patient needs, formulate diagnoses, develop treatment plans, prescribe medications within scope of practice, and monitor treatment outcomes in accordance with accepted standards of care.
- Collaboration and care coordination: Ability to work effectively with healthcare providers, counselors, case managers, faculty, staff, and community resources to support continuity of care and positive student outcomes.
- Communication and documentation: Ability to communicate effectively with diverse populations and maintain accurate clinical documentation in accordance with professional, legal, and institutional requirements.
Work Schedule/Hours: This is a full-time, permanent position with flexibility in scheduling, with options to work 32–40 hours per week, over 4 or 5 days per week. Specific work arrangements will be established at the time of hire and may be adjusted based on operational needs.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required for this position:
Minimum Qualifications:
- Interested candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States without the need for employment sponsorship or any other immigration-related assistance.
- Licensed as a Registered Nurse by the North Carolina Board of Nursing, and completion of a Nurse Practitioner program with a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner certification approved by the North Carolina Joint Subcommittee of the Board of Nursing and Board of Medical Examiners, and approved to practice medical acts by the Joint Subcommittee; OR licensed as a Physician Assistant by the North Carolina Medical Board with a Certificate of Added Qualifications in Psychiatry and currently registered and in good standing to practice in the state of North Carolina.
- Five years of demonstrated experience providing psychiatric evaluation, diagnosis, treatment, and medication management services.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience providing psychiatric services within a college health, university counseling, outpatient behavioral health, or integrated healthcare setting.
- Experience working with adolescents, young adults, and college-aged populations.
- Experience evaluating and treating common behavioral health concerns affecting university students, including mood disorders, anxiety disorders, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, and related conditions.
- Preference may be given to candidates who have an existing professional relationship with a North Carolina licensed psychiatrist that could support fulfillment of collaborative practice requirements.
Position Type: Permanent Full-Time
Special Instructions to Applicants: To be considered, you must apply online.
Attach a cover letter, current resume, a list of at least three professional references (including complete contact information with name, title, address, email, and phone), and a copy of any licenses/certifications you may have.
For questions and additional information, please contact Katie Lanning at kwilliams@wcu.edu.
AA/EOE
Western Carolina University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race; color; ethnicity; religion; sex; pregnancy; sexual orientation; gender identity or expression; national origin; age; disability; genetic information; political affiliation; National Guard or veteran status, consistent with applicable federal, state and local laws, regulations, and policies, and the policies of The University of North Carolina. Persons with disabilities requiring accommodations in the application and interview process please call (828) 227-7218 or email at jobs@email.wcu.edu.
University Safety
The Western Carolina University Annual Safety Report is available online at University Annual Safety Report or in hard-copy by request at the office of the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs, 227 HFR Administration Building, Cullowhee, NC 28723 (828-227-7147) or the Office of University Police, 111 Camp Annex, Cullowhee, NC 28723 (828-227-7301). The report, required of all universities participating in Title IV student financial aid programs, discusses crime statistics, procedures for reporting suspicious or criminal activity, security, police authority, crime prevention strategies, university policies on substance abuse and sexual offenses, workplace violence and fire safety.
To apply, please visit: https://jobs.wcu.edu/postings/35414
About Us
Why Work at Western Carolina University?
Western Carolina University is more than a workplace—it's a collaborative community of faculty and staff dedicated to supporting the success of our students and the strength of our institution. Our employees are inspired by the meaningful difference we make together in the lives of more than 11,000 students who call WCU home.
Here are just a few reasons WCU is a great place to work:
A Commitment to Community
Do you value being involved locally? So do we. WCU offers robust service-learning and community outreach programs that invite students, faculty, and staff to engage with and serve our region in countless ways.
Recognized Excellence
WCU has been named the Top Employer in North Carolina by Forbes for 2025 and ranks #7 in the United States for company culture.
Academic Distinction and Opportunity
As the westernmost campus in the University of North Carolina System, WCU attracts students from around the globe for our nationally ranked programs, affordability through NC Promise, and exceptional student support. We're consistently recognized as a Top Adventure College, offering unparalleled experiential learning opportunities in the heart of the Blue Ridge and Great Smoky Mountains.
An Inspiring Location
Our main campus in Cullowhee is just 15 minutes from the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the Blue Ridge Parkway. With hiking and biking trails on campus and countless more nearby, outdoor adventure is always within reach.
Leading in Research and Honors
WCU is home to the oldest and largest Honors College in the UNC System and ranks among the Top 5 institutions nationally for undergraduate research projects accepted to the National Conference on Undergraduate Research.
A Cultural Hub for the Region
From professional-quality theater led by Broadway star Terrence Mann to nationally recognized music programs, WCU enriches the arts in our region. Our Pride of the Mountains Marching Band has performed at the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade and
Healthcare Education
Our competitive healthcare programs are housed in a state-of-the-art, LEED-certified facility, featuring cutting-edge technology and community clinics that provide hands-on learning experiences.
For more information, visit wcu.edu.
Awards
Western Carolina University (WCU) is proud to be recognized across multiple areas that reflect our unwavering commitment to students, faculty, staff, and the broader community.
Our distinguished faculty includes national award-winning authors, internationally recognized experts, and recipients of prestigious honors such as Emmy Awards, O. Henry Awards, and National Endowment for the Arts grants.
WCU has earned numerous accolades, including:
- Top Green College by The Princeton Review
- Top 5 in the Nation for Undergraduate Research
- Best College Value by Kiplinger's Personal Finance
- #1 Outdoor Adventure College for three consecutive years by Blue Ridge Outdoors
The Pride of the Mountains Marching Band, a Sudler Trophy recipient, has showcased its excellence on some of the world's biggest stages, including:
- The Rose Bowl Parade (2011)
- The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade (2014 and 2019)
- The St. Patrick's Day Parade in Dublin, Ireland (2024)
WCU is also proud to be designated a Military Friendly® School for 2025–2026, earning both the Military Friendly® School and Military Spouse Friendly® School honors.
Each year, our faculty and staff are celebrated for outstanding achievements in teaching, scholarship, and service.
For more information, visit wcu.edu.
Benefits
Western Carolina University offers a wide array of high-quality benefit plans from which to choose. These include comprehensive health and welfare insurance plans, a choice between two retirement programs, both of which provide a valuable retirement benefit, as well as optional retirement savings opportunities. Employees also benefit from a generous leave program. For more information, please visit our benefits page at UNC Benefits.
Mission and Vision
Our Mission (who we are):
To improve individual lives and enhance economic and community development in our region, state and nation through engaged learning opportunities in our academic programs, educational outreach, research and creative activities, and cultural activities.
Our Core Values and Guiding Principles (what guides and inspires us):
Excellence in Scholarship, Teaching, and Learning
Collaboration with and Respect for our Communities
Free and Open Interchange of Ideas
Responsible Stewardship and Organizational Effectiveness
Organizational and Environmental Sustainability
Cultural Diversity and Equal Opportunity
Our Vision Statement (who we want to be):
To be a national model for student learning and engagement that embraces its responsibilities as a regionally engaged university.
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